Violence has erupted between security forces and supporters of deposed President Assad in Syria, resulting in over 1000 deaths in two days. This is being reported as the worst violence in 14 years.
Syria: The situation in Syria is rapidly deteriorating. Over 1000 people have been killed in two days of intense violence between security forces and supporters of deposed President Bashar al-Assad. Reports indicate this is the most severe violence in the last 14 years, pushing the country once again to the brink of instability.
A Horrifying Pattern of Killing
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 745 of the dead were civilians, many shot at close range. Additionally, 125 government security personnel and 148 Assad-supporting militants were killed. The situation has become so dire that electricity and water supplies have been cut off around the city of Latakia, causing significant hardship for local residents.
How Did the Violence Erupt?
The Syrian government has blamed Assad supporters for the violence, stating that they are acting against attacks carried out by Assad loyalist fighters.
The violence began on Thursday near the coastal city of Jablah when security forces attempted to arrest a wanted individual. This prompted an attack by Assad supporters, escalating tensions throughout the area.
The situation worsened on Friday when Assad-supporting Sunni Muslim gunmen launched attacks on members of the minority Alawite community. Clashes have since spread across the country.
A Major Blow to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham
This violence represents a significant setback for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group that played a crucial role in opposing the Assad regime. With Assad supporters now taking up arms against the government, Syria appears to be heading towards another civil war.
Brutal Atrocities in Syrian Prisons
A report by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights states that over 100,000 people have been killed in prisons during the Assad regime, with over 30,000 deaths occurring in Saidnaya prison alone.
Saidnaya prison is considered one of the world's most brutal prisons, notorious for torture, murder, and enforced disappearances. The report indicates that since 2011, the prison has been used to enforce the Assad regime's cruel policies.
Is Syria Headed Towards Another Civil War?
Given the escalating violence between security forces and Assad supporters, experts believe Syria may be on the verge of another civil war. The government's failure to take decisive action against Assad supporters is further exacerbating the situation.
